Foundation-block for buildings



(No Model.)

M. R. MARKS. FOUNDATION BLOGK FOR BUILDING-S.

Patented Mar. 7.1882.

WITNESSES N, PUERSPhola-Lilhcgnpher. Washington. a. c

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MATTHEW R. MARKS, OF ORLANDO, FLORIDA.

FOUNDATION-BLOCK F'OR BUILDINGS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 254,489, dated March '7, 1882.

Application filed October 18,1881. (No model.)

' make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

, Figure 1 is a perspective view of one of my improved building-blocks. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view. Fig. 3 is a view of the base -or foundation block, and Fig. 4 is aperspective View illustrating the operation of my in- Vention.

Corresponding parts in the several figures are denoted by like letters of reference.

This invention relates to building-blocks of that class which are used as foundations or supports for the walls of buildings which are erected on hillsides without cellars or basements and it consists in certain improvements in the construction of the same, which will be hereinafter fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

A in the drawings represents one of my im proved building'blocks, which is preferably square or rectangular in shape, as shown. The said block is made hollow and provided near its upper end with an interior annular flange, B. The under side of the block has a downward projection, O, which in practice rests upon the flange B of the block next below, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. In the sides of the blocks A, near the upper and lower ends of the same, are formed gutters or recesses D, extending diagonally downward and inward, as shown. One or more of the sides are provided with ornamental openings or perforations E, and two of the sides are provided with openings or slots F.

G is the base or foundation block, which is provided with flaring sides H, and a recess, I, to receive the lowermost block A. A suitable cap-plate, J, may also be used, when desired.

The operation of my invention, or the method of using my improved building-blocks,wil1 be readily understood by reference to the drawings hereto annexed. Two or more columns, K, of the blocks are erected, suitably located and of suitable height, to support the outer wall of the structure which it is proposed to build. The blocks A are to be made of different and graduated sizes, in order to enable the columns K to be readily built exactly of the required height. fore stated, are hollow, may be filled with earth and ornamental vines planted therein and trained through the openings E and upon trellises L, arranged and supported in the openings F, as shown. The grooves or gutters D are to be filled with any suitable insect and vermin repelling material, which not only prevents the plants from being destroyed, but also the building from being invaded by vermin.

My improved building-blocks may be made of metal, terra-cotta, artificial stone, or any other suitable material. They are simple, inexpensive, durable, light, and present a handsome and ornamental appearance.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States- 1 1. A hollow buildingblock having ornamental openings E and openings or slots F, as described, for the purpose set forth.

2. A building-block provided near its upper and lower ends with grooves or gutters D, as

and for the purpose set forth.

3. The herein-described improved buildingblock A, having flange B, projection U, grooves or gutters D, and openings E F, as and for the purpose herein shown and specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

MATTHE W R. MARKS.

Witnesses:

O. K. ALLEN, WM. BAGGER.

The blocks A, which, as be- 

